Objective: To examine the causes and effects of the search for the Northwest Passage.

Europeans explorers spent over 100 years searching for a Northwest Passage through North America to Asia. England, France, and Holland began searching for a westward route to Asia in order to compete with Spain and Portugal.

Explorations for Spain Atlantic Ocean Cool! I, Vasco Nunez de Balboa, the great conquistador, am the first European to see the eastern edge of the Pacific Ocean! Vasco Nuñez de Balboa (1475 - 1519)

Explorations for Spain Ferdinand Magellan led the first voyage around the world. Animation: Magellan’s Voyage

Explorations for Spain Amerigo Vespucci was one of the first explorers to come up with the idea that these places he had visited were not part of Asia (as Columbus thought) but rather were part of a “New World." In 1507, a pamphlet was published called "The Four Voyages of Amerigo" and the author suggested that the new land that Amerigo had explored be named in his honor. At first, the name of America was only meant to apply to South America, but later on, both continents of America became known by his name.

Martin Waldseemuller map of 1507 Martin Waldseemuller map of 1507. In this document the newly discovered continent is for the first time referred to as "America", a name the author chose in honor of Amerigo Vespucci.

Explorations for the Netherlands (Holland) British sailor Henry Hudson explored the waters of northeast North America, including the water surrounding New York City.

Explorations for England In 1610, Henry Hudson explored northern Canada for England.

In 1611, Hudson’s crew mutinied and returned to Holland, leaving Hudson, his son, and several loyal sailors to perish in the Hudson Bay.

Explorations for England The Italian sailor Giovanni Cabato, later known as John Cabot, explored the north Atlantic coast of North America for England.

The voyages of Christopher Columbus, John Cabot, and Amerigo Vespucci dramatically changed the world map. This map, printed in 1507, is one of the earliest maps to incorporate this new world view.

Explorations for France Giovanni da Verrazano explored the east coast of North America, including New York harbor, for France in 1524.

Explorations for France Jacques Cartier explored the St. Lawrence River Valley for France. Jacques Cartier

A painting by J.-A. Théodore Gudin depicts Jacques Cartier discovering the Saint Lawrence River in the 16th century.

Jacques Cartier points to the arms of France on the cross during a ceremony taking possession of Canada for France, 1534.